SIX REASONS TO WRITE YOUR HEART

SIX REASONS TO WRITE YOUR HEART

You never thought you could write anything useful in a journal. What if I told you writing a few words can be a journey into healing your heart?

Writing a journal does not need to be a daunting, frightening thing. You do not need to stare at the paper in front of you and wonder what you will put down there. Allow God to guide you.

Your breast cancer or other health crisis did not happen overnight. It was a roller coaster of emotions. In the beginning moments of your diagnosis, you had few words to express your shock and disappointment. Perhaps you had some angry words you tossed skyward at God. Perhaps your expression came often in tears. How do you express what your tongue cannot speak? Use your heart!

We usually go through a gamut of emotional trauma when hearing such frightening diagnosis. Anger, doubt, fear. Let the words come without any previous thought. They will come. Pour out your heart; there is no wrong way, no right way.

You never have to worry about correct spelling or correct grammar. No-one ever needs to see what you have written if you do not wish it. Imagine reading the words as if they are printed on your brain. This is where they are trapped; let them out, let them soar. They will have meaning.

Here are some reasons to begin:

HEALING FOR YOUR HEART

Expressing your worries and concerns for your family and friends allows you to see those concerns more honestly. Sometimes what you write reveals feelings that were hidden deeply. You can also find joy in the visits from friends, gifts and celebrations along the way. What happened during the first holiday you spent with your family during your treatment time, or the Christmas celebration after the treatments were complete? Record it to remember later.

HEALING FOR YOUR MIND

Writing in simple terms can even calm the turmoil in your head. Thinking about your battle day and night may cause you to lose sleep. Imagining all the possibilities of the outcome can cause a loss of perspective. Worrying about how the conflicts are affecting your family and your day to day responsibilities is not what God wants. Listing them in a column is a way to pray for answers to your challenges, attitudes, and actions. Perhaps seeing them that way makes the answers seem more clear and practical as well. Writing may help you overcome or handle the ‘fogginess’ that can come with illness and medicines.

See: http://www.restginhisshadow.com/2016/08/hope-feathers/

COMMUNICATING WITH GOD

Keeping a journal can be a way to communicate with God. Write your prayers. God certainly understands and honors this choice. He knows everything about you. When you are hurting spiritually your own honest words can help you reestablish your faith in God. It was there. Perhaps you slipped under the burden of fear and anger. Yes, perhaps you were even angry at God; and that’s ok. Let God take your burden. He will remind you of the things He has done for you in the past. Write them down as a way to thank Him.

GROWTH

Watch how your story has developed. Have your grown closer to God? Stronger in your faith? More able to answer others who may question you? Are you able to stand stronger against the devil’s schemes? Have you developed a better attitude? Are you more appreciative of the things that really matter? Do you spend more time with those you love?

SERVICE

As you write your few or many words, as you watch yourself heal or overcome, and grow and develop; there will be more opportunities to express your heart. Jesus said that compassion builds compassion. Write how you feel when someone has helped you. How do you respond when learning of others who suffer for various reasons? Write how that inspires you and encourages you to share your story. How can you help others in the same or similar situation?

YOUR TESTIMONY

The story of your faith through a mighty storm can be an important life-changer for someone who comes after you. Whether they are a family member, a friend or someone else you want to reach out to, your words can have a powerful impact. Knowing that your faith is what sustained you can be a turning point for someone. Commonality with other women creates a strong bond. Building on your journal entries may be a way to become a mentor to others. Perhaps you can speak to women in a group, or simply share your story in a church setting.

Go ahead! Write down the words in your heart. I’ll bet God will reveal His heart – on your heart.

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Comments

You know, there are so many things I remember hazily because I never bothered to write them down when I had just experienced them. You do make a convincing case for journalling. Question is, can I do it with a fair amount of discipline? It doesn’t help that one is swamped with work. I realise that this practice is good for everyone, not just convalescents. Thanks for breaking it down nicely in this post.

I agree that writing things down on paper does several things for me. It releases built-up strong feelings, negative or positive, and the “heart peace” it offers is hard to describe. And, your statement that reads that “healing cannot be instantaneous,” I’m sorry April, I have to disagree! The word “cannot” is never in my vocabulary nor is it in my Father’s vocabulary either. There are times that postponement is there in the pain, but God’s Word says we are to walk by faith and not by sight. What I feel at the time doesn’t mean healing is around the corner. That’s my faith and I’m sticking to it.

Of course you are right Mel. I was trying to make the comparison that the event didn’t happen overnight (illness) and so we go through a process of emotions – even if God heals instantly. Don’t we cry out- and then fall on our knees to ask for healing?
Thanks for pointing that out!